Question

Which of the following anions or cations has the least charge density?

A. F⁻
B. Ca²⁺
C. Mg²⁺
D. CI⁻

Answer 1

Among F⁻, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Cl⁻, the ion with the least charge density is Cl⁻, because it has a larger radius with the same amount of charge as F⁻, resulting in a lower charge density. The correct answer is option: D. CI⁻

Step-by-step explanation:

The anion or cation with the least charge density is the one with the least amount of charge per volume. Charge density is generally lower for ions with larger radii and fewer charges. Comparing the given ions:

• F⁻ is small but has a single negative charge.
• Ca²⁻ is larger than F⁻ and Mg²⁻ but has a double positive charge.
• Mg²⁻ is smaller than Ca²⁻ but also has a double positive charge.
• Cl⁻ is larger than F⁻ but has the same single negative charge.

Given the size and charge, Cl⁻ is likely to have the least charge density as it has the same charge as F⁻ but a significantly larger size, leading to a lower charge density.